Top 14 Best watches for Metal Allergy [Nickel Free Watches]

Best watches for Metal Allergy [Nickel Free Watches]

Wristwatches have increased in popularity again over the last couple of years, Not only as a convenient means of telling the time but also as a stylish piece of accessory.

But people with metal allergy, which is most commonly related to a nickel allergy, often ignore wearing a watch because they experience getting allergic reactions, itching, and rashes on the wrist after having worn one. This is a shame because of the benefits that the watch offers, but it is also completely unnecessary.

This is because today, there are plenty of watches on the market that are suitable for individuals with metal allergies, and in particular nickel allergies. The key is just knowing what to look for in a watch and then choosing one that matches the needs of nickel allergies.

Hypoallergenic watches, allergy-free watches, watches for sensitive skin, nickel-free watches, this type of watch carries many names. And the fact of the matter is that this type of watch also comes in many shapes and forms. In other words, there are many different approaches for achieving the same result.

To help you find a stylish watch that suits your style, budget, and preference, we have created a list of some highly popular and appreciated nickel-free watches which are hypoallergenic and suitable for those with metal allergies. But before we dig in, let’s understand a bit more about what these watches are and what you should look for.

Watches and nickel allergy

Nickel allergy is a relatively common form of allergy where people get rashes, itching, and redness when the skin is in contact with the metal nickel. When the body is constantly in contact with an item that contains nickel, in this a watch on the wrist, the sweat can liberate nickel ions which are then absorbed by the skin. As a result, the area of the skin can become irritated and lead to an allergic reaction. This is called Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD), but most commonly known as nickel allergy.

Different people have different allergic levels against nickel, like most allergies. Some people get big allergic reactions by simply touching nickel for a short period of time, whilst other allergic reactions can be milder and only lead to itching and rashes when being in contact with nickel for a long period of time.

Nickel is a material that is very commonly used in a bunch of different things, including jewelry, necklaces, and of course, some watches. As a matter of fact, nickel is the fifth most common element on earth.

The reason why nickel is commonly used by manufacturers is that it is cheap, but also has a high melting point which makes it very resistant to corrosion and rusting.

Best watches for metal allergy – Best nickel-free watches

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Citizen Men’s BN0211-50E Promaster Tough

The Citizen promoter tough BN0211-50E is, as the name suggests, a tough and sporty timepiece. It is robust, masculine, and built to last. What’s also great about this timepiece is that it has a titanium coating on top of a stainless steel case and bracelet. This has a number of benefits, including making it more durable, scratch-resistant, and also hypoallergenic. The coating is also 5 times harder than stainless steel. The case measures 41mm in diameter

The watch has a matte black dial with large hour markers with luminescent material applied to them, for great legibility in the dark. The hands are equally so large and for a sportier look and touch of color, it has a red seconds hand which contrasts nicely. On top of the case, it has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal with a date function at 3 o’clock.

Another great thing about this watch is that it uses Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology. This means that it is quartz powered but is charged by sunlight and ambient light so you never have to replace the battery. Furthermore, being a tough watch, it is developed to function in extreme temperatures. Its monocoque ensures improved shock resistance and anti-magnetism.

Specifications

• Stainless steel case with a titanium coating
• Hypoallergenic, suitable for nickel allergies
• Diameter: 41m
• Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating

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Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s I.N.O.X. Watch

This is another sporty and tough watch made by a famous and well-respected Swiss brand. It is also one of the most popular sports watches in its price range.

The watch has a sporty and tool-like appearance with solid steel construction. Of course, being part of this list, it is also suitable for individuals with a nickel allergy since it is crafted from high-grade hypoallergenic stainless steel. The watch is powered by an analog quartz movement. 

The watch is made in Switzerland and has a water resistance of 200m/660 feet. The case measures 43mm and has a triple-coated anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal.

Specifications

• Suitable for nickel allergy – made in high-grade hypoallergenic stainless steel
• Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
• Diameter: 43mm

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Casio Solar Sport Combination Watch

This Casio tough solar watch is made of rubber and is therefore considered suitable for nickel allergies. It has a sporty, robust, and bulky design, which makes it able to handle virtually any harsh conditions you subject it to. The watch has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet. It is equipped with solar power technology, meaning it is charged by ambient and solar light so you do not have to replace the battery. When fully charged, it has a battery life of 10 months. The watch also has a digital screen on the dial.

It is also packed with a ton of different useful functions such as world Time, and Multi-lingual Day of Week display (English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, Italian). It has 5 Daily Alarms, Hourly Time Signal, a 1/100 second digital stopwatch, 2 Countdown Timers, Full Auto Calendar, and 12/24 Hour Formats.

Specifications

• Considered nickel safe due to its rubber case and strap
• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
• Functions: World Time, Multi-lingual Day of Week display (English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, Italian), 5 Daily Alarms, Hourly Time Signal, 1/100 second digital stopwatch, 2 Countdown Timers, Full Auto Calendar, 12/24 Hour Formats.
• Battery life: 10 months

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Casio Classic Quartz MRW-210H-1AVCF

This Casio sports watch is made of plastic and is therefore considered suitable for individuals with a nickel allergy. It is presented with an all-black design and an integrated plastic/resin strap.

The dial is also black and analog with large numerals on the dial and a day and date function at 3 o’clock. The hands are large too for optimum legibility. It is also equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute graduation scale. The case measures 50mm in diameter, so it is unarguably a rather heft piece most suitable for men with large wrists. The water resistance is 100m/330 feet.

Specifications

• Diameter: 50mm
• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
• Plastic case and strap, suitable for nickel allergies

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Swatch Originals Swiss-Quartz GN718

Swatch has a large number of different watches in plastic, and this makes them very popular amongst individuals with a nickel allergy. This one has a blue plastic case and a blue silicone strap for comfort.

The case measures 34mm in diameter and has a mineral window. It is powered by a Swiss quartz movement with an analog display. The water resistance is 30m/99 feet

It is simply an affordable, stylish, accurate, and durable timekeeper that works perfectly for everyday wear.

Specifications

• Plastic case and silicone strap – suitable for nickel allergies
• Diameter: 34mm
• Movement: Swiss quartz
• Water resistance: 30m/99 feet

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Swatch Classic Quartz SUOB705

This is another popular watch from Swatch, also made of silicone and plastic. It puts focus on legibility with its white dial and large black contrasting numerals. It is also equipped with a day and a date function at 3 o’clock and has a push/pull crown.

The case measures 41mm, so it is slightly bigger and suitable for many different wrist sizes. It is water-resistant up to 100 feet. The Swatch plastic watches are durable and reliable classics presented in a very comfortable design.

Specifications

• Diameter: 41m
• Crown: push-pull
• Water-resistance: 100feet
• Great legibility
• Made in plastic and silicone, hypoallergenic

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Citizen Promaster Quartz CA0720-54H

Citizen’s sporty Promaster quartz chronograph is a very popular sporty timepiece that has Citizen’s proprietary Duratect case and bracelet coating which makes it more durable. The coating gives it anti-rust, scratch resistance, and hypo-allergenic properties. It is also 5X harder than stainless steel

The watch is also built to have shock resistance and anti-magnetism.

The watch also has a beautiful and masculine design. It is presented with a light blue-gray dial, a 44mm case, and a chronograph function with 12/24-hour time. On top of the case, it has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

The legibility is great, with large markers and hands. These are coated with luminescence to provide improved legibility in low-lit conditions. Another great feature of this watch is that it uses Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, which means it is powered by light, meaning you do not have to replace its battery.

Specifications

• Crystal: mineral crystal
• Diameter: 44mm
• Eco-Drive
• Duratec case and bracelet, making it hypo-allergenic
• Chronograph function

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BULOVA Black Leather 97B155

The Bulova 97B155 is a simple, classic, and refined timepiece that is made to be hypoallergenic and suitable for those with a nickel allergy.

It has a beautiful gold-plated stainless steel cap with a diameter of 41mm and a thickness of 11mm.

The gold-colored case matches the sunburst finish silver dial beautifully. On the dial, it has sub-dials for the chronograph and a 31-day calendar function. The water resistance is 30 meters.

This is an elegant and classy watch for everyday wear that works great on formal occasions too.

Specifications

• Hypoallergenic plated stainless steel case- suitable for those with nickel allergies
• Diameter: 41mm
• Thickness: 11mm
• 31-day calendar function.
• Water-resistance: 30meters

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Victorinox 241656 Chrono Classic

This sporty men’s chronograph is developed to be hypoallergenic and is made in stainless steel with a scratch-resistant triple-coated anti-reflective sapphire crystal. It has a 41mm hypoallergenic stainless steel case and a beautiful gunmetal guilloche dial. It is presented on a stainless steel bracelet with a push-button deployant safety clasp. 

The water resistance is 100 meters/330 feet. The watch is presented with a date calendar, tachymeter, small second and 30-minute counter, and applied numerals.

This is a sporty and durable timepiece for everyday wear.

Specifications

• Hypoallergenic stainless steel
• Diameter: 41mm
• Crystal: Scratch-resistant triple-coated anti-reflective sapphire
• Water resistance: 100 meters7330 feet
• Date calendar, tachymeter, small second and 30-minute counter

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Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0150-28E

This is one of Citizen’s most popular watches ever. This is also contributed by the fact that it is very affordable and offers great value for money.

The watch has a 44mm silver-tone stainless steel case and features Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology which removes the need for replacing its battery. The watch is very durable and sporty and has a water resistance of 200m/660 feet. On top of the case, it has an anti-reflective mineral crystal and a date window. The legibility is great with large markers and hands.

Specifications

• Diameter: 44mm
• Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
• Eco-Drive technology
• Crystal: Mineral, anti-reflective treated

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Seiko Men’s SGG729 Titanium Watch

This is a highly popular watch from Seiko, and it is also popular amongst those with nickel allergies since it is made of titanium.

The watch has a diameter of 37mm which makes it suitable for both men and women. On top of the case, it has a Hardlex crystal. It is powered by a reliable and durable quartz movement.

The watch has a classic and elegant design, suitable for both formal and everyday wear. Thanks to the titanium construction, it is light and very comfortable to wear. The watch has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet.

Specifications

• Suitable for nickel allergies thanks to its titanium construction
• Diameter: 37mm
• Quartz moment
• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet

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Citizen Eco-Drive ‘Titanium’ Quartz  Watch AT2340-56L

This watch combines sportiness with elegance, making it a perfect everyday watch. The watch is made of titanium and therefore suitable for nickel allergies.

It is presented with a 42mm case with a water resistance of 100m/330 feet.

The watch uses Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology which means you do not have to replace the battery as it is charged by solar and ambient light. The watch features a chronograph function and a date window on the dial.

Specifications

• Titanium construction makes it suitable for nickel allergies
• Water resistance: 300 feet/100m
• Diameter: 42m
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Eco-Drive light technology

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Skagen Sundby Titanium and Stainless Steel Mesh Casual Quartz Watch

This elegant and classy watch has a refined and simple design, making it highly popular.  The watch has a modern design with a minimalistic yet appealing design.

The watch is made of titanium and therefore hypoallergenic. It measures 37mm in diameter and has an integrated mesh bracelet. It is water-resistant to 30m, meaning it will withstand splashes.

The watch is presented with a beautiful blue sunburst dial which reflects the light beautifully and with a date window at 6 o’clock.

Specifications

• Diameter: 37mm
• Dial: blue sunburst
• Titanium construction

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Timex Weekender 40mm Watch

This simple and classic watch is all about legibility. It also has a 40mm titanium brass case which makes it hypoallergenic. On top, it has a mineral glass.

It is very simple in design and focuses on legibility with both 12-hour time and 24-hour numerals on the dial. For improved legibility, it has an Indiglo light-up watch dial.

The water resistance is 30m/100 feet.

Specifications

• Indiglo light-up watch dial 
• Diameter: 40mm
• Titanium brass case – hypoallergenic
• Crystal: Mineral glass

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Watches for nickel allergies buyer’s guide

We’ve already gone through some important considerations when buying a titanium watch. But in addition to this, you also have the usual considerations that should be taken into account when buying any watch. To help you find the perfect watch for you, some questions you should ask yourself are:

• What size do you want? Different wrist sizes obviously need different watch sizes. If you have a small wrist, you want to be looking for a watch that has a smaller case. And on the contrary, you want to look for a larger watch if you have a larger wrist. But this also comes down to preference. Some people enjoy wearing large watches, while others prefer them smaller. So consider the size of the watch you want.
• What water resistance do you need? Depending on how and when you will use your watch, you may or may not need good water resistance. If you plan to go swimming and diving, it is appropriate to look for a watch with decent water resistance. If you just plan to wear it on formal occasions, the water resistance won’t be as important.
• Do you want a quartz, digital, or mechanical watch? Nickel-free watches are available with all kinds of different movements. Therefore, consider if you want a digital, quartz, or mechanical watch.
• What strap do you want? The type of strap to have on your watch ultimately comes down to your taste but also how you intend to wear it. If you want something more casual, a metal bracelet is a suitable alternative. But if you’re going to wear it on formal occasions, it may be more suitable to opt for a leather strap for a more elegant look.
• When will you use your watch? How and when you plan to use your watch should affect the style of the watch you choose. If you only plan to wear it in the office and with a suit, it makes more sense to opt for a more elegant dress watch. But if you’re going to wear it casually, on the beach, and when sporting, it may be more suitable to choose a sports watch.

Are stainless steel watches suitable for nickel allergies?

The answer to that question is that it depends.

Many people believe that if it is stainless steel, it automatically does not include nickel, but that is not completely true. In fact, if a watch is stated to be made of stainless steel, there is a risk that it also contains nickel. The reason for this is due to the properties of nickel. Because it is resistant to corrosion, nickel is often used in the alloy. It is also commonly used in electroplating coating. This is to make the material more resistant and durable, but the downside is of course that it can cause nickel allergies.

With that said, if you are allergic to nickel, you cannot buy a stainless steel watch and take for granted that it does not contain nickel. More research is required. And unlike what many people think, 316L steel is not necessarily a safe option, either, since it contains between 8-10.% nickel.

The question is really about how much of the nickel is released because this is what will affect whether or not you get allergic reactions to it or not. It’s also worth having in mind that some watches only partly contain parts that contain nickel, which may still cause an allergic reaction.

The good news is that not all stainless steel watches shall be excluded from the equation. This is because some manufacturers have taken into consideration nickel allergies and then developed watches that are safe to use for individuals with metal allergies. Even large and famous manufacturers have worked to develop hypoallergenic watches. So if you want a stainless steel watch but struggle to find one that doesn’t give you allergic reactions, these are the ones you want to look for.

It’s worth having in mind that some watches are marketed as nickel-safe, however, according to regulations in the EU, they may still not be 100% nickel-free. Products that release nickel at a rate of 0.05 microgrammes per square centimeter are considered nickel-safe. For the vast majority of people, nickel-safe watches are completely safe, but if you are extremely sensitive, they may cause minor irritation.

Surgical steel (hypoallergenic steel)

A common question amongst those with nickel allergies is if surgical steel is nickel-free. Surgical steel is generally considered hypoallergenic and safe to use. This means that the chances that you will have an allergic reaction when in contact with this material are very low. Hypoallergenic steel watches can be found in many different watch brands today as brands have understood the request for them. Not only for nickel allergy reasons but also for improved performance/durability.

Titanium

Titanium is another material worth having in mind, and this is actually one of the most popular materials in watches amongst those with nickel allergies.

Titanium is nickel-free and essentially completely safe to use. With titanium watches, you should have no issues at all with rashes or itching.

Plastic

Plastic is another material that is popular among nickel allergy individuals. Of course, since plastic is not a metal, it does not contain any metal, and therefore, they are nickel free.

To help you find suitable watches that are hypoallergenic and do not cause allergic reactions, we have created a list of some of the most popular and best nickel-free watches out there. They are made in different materials, and designs, and come in different price points, but what they have in common is that they are all used by, and suitable for individuals with nickel allergies. When doing research, make sure you look for watches that are promoted as nickel-free or hypoallergenic.

Choosing a bracelet for your nickel-free watch

An issue that some experience is that it is not only the watch itself that causes allergies but also the strap or bracelet. But this also comes down to how sensitive you are. Some people can wear, for example, a rubber or fabric strap and have no issues with the buckle. But some people experience irritation from the metal buckle that is used for the strap.

One alternative is to look for a titanium watch that also has a titanium bracelet. This ensures that you have no parts that contain nickel that is in contact with the skin. Titanium is usually the best alternative if you have issues with allergic reactions from the buckle.

Another alternative is to opt for a velcro watch strap. The downside is that they are not very common and few watches are sold with them. But there are some alternatives on the market that you can buy separately and put on your watch.

Another solution, that perhaps is not always very convenient, but certainly possible, is to put some kind of coating on the buckle of the bracelet. For example, you can remove the buckle of the strap and cover it in transparent lacquer/coating. Transparent nail polish could work. You can also use tape or some kind of stickers to cover it. This can be a bit tedious, but if you really like a strap, it could be a suitable option. That way, you technically get a nickel-free watch strap.

Is Rolex nickel-free?

Rolex uses 904L stainless steel for all its stainless steel watches today. 904L stainless steel offers several benefits over the more common 316L steel which is that it is harder than other types of stainless steel, appear more polished, look warmer, and age extremely well as it is more resistant to scratches.

But with this said, Rolex watches and their 904L steel have more chromium, molybdenum, nickel, and copper. As a result, those who are sensitive to nickel and easily get allergies will likely experience this with Rolex watches as well.

Back in the day, Rolex used the standard 316L steel for its watches, so if you’re not very sensitive and can handle some nickel, you’re probably better of buying an older Rolex watch that uses 316L.

Use topcoats for regular metal watches

A solution that some people with nickel allergies have found to be really effective is to use non-nickel surface coatings on the watch. Doing this will limit the amount of nickel released from the watch and prevent allergies. Today, the most common method is PVD TiN which is a Titanium Nitride (TiN) coating that is applied by a process called Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD). This is still not very widespread and not very common, but it could be a possibility to explore if you really like a certain watch but are not able to wear it due to the allergies it causes.